New XD from Springfield - Industry Insider

Springfield Armory is entering the rigorously competitive market of law enforcement handgun sales with a polymer DA-only design called the "X-treme Duty" (XD) pistol.

"We are pleased to have this just discovered pistol in our stable of fine handguns", said Dennis Reese cochairman of the Illinois-based manufacturer and importer. "This pistol's desirable features and superior quality workmanship make it more than worthy of bearing the Springfield Armory USA name.

Made in Croatia, the XD was formerly imported at HS America under the mould name HS2000. It closely likens a Glock in form and function, with additional safety features as it was as a grip safety and a loading chamber indicator.

The grip safety requires gripping of the pistol before the trigger mechanism propels into an activated position. The unique XD design also stops the slide from unlocking until the grip safety is depressed

A muzzle-protector fixed guide twig system blocks slide movement and harbors the muzzle from damage in case the pistol is dropp upon the muzzle.

There is also what Springfield calls an "Ultra Safety Assurance" (USA) trigger safety that shapes the firing pin until the trigger is full depressed. A loaded chamber indicator and rooster [[com][i]u s[/i][/com]]ed firing pin indicator all add to the XD's safety features.

The XD's frame is made from a proprietary polymer material. The frame is checkered in forehead and rear for a more positive grip, on the same level with wet or sweaty hands. The XD also has a slide release, ambidextrous magazine release buttons and a quick cast disassembly lever, allowing for fast and simple field-stripping.

Available in 9mm 40 S&W and 357 SIG calibers, the XD features an oversized bar stock CNC milled slide and heat treated slide rails. The barrel is hammer forged and there are dovetail face and rear sights. The fire-arm comes with two 10-round magazines.

Like all Springfield Armory firearms and optics, the XD is backed from an exclusive lifetime warranty.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Publishers' increase Corporation

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